Blackboard course access 1st week of class:

Students must access the course in Bb during the 1st week of class to be counted as "Attending".  If a student does not access the course in Bb during the 1st week of class s/he will be classified as "Never Attended" and will be ineligible for financial aid.

Course Description:

Introduction to computer programming using VB.NET. Emphasis on the fundamentals of structured design, development, testing, implementation, and documentation. Includes language syntax, data and file structures, input/output devices, and files.

Course Rationale:

This is an introductory programming course using the VB.NET language. It does not assume any prior programming experience. This course will prepare students for ITSE 2305/BCIS 2331 (Windows Programming using VB.Net). This is an optional course in the Local Area Network Administration and Microcomputer Applications Support AAS degrees, and in the Local Area Network Administration and Database Certificates.

 Prerequisite(s):  None.

Learning Outcomes & Objectives:

The student will use VB.Net to build Windows applications using structured and object-based programming techniques. Students will be exposed to the following concepts and/or skills at an Introductory conceptual level:

• Design, formulate, and construct applications with VB.NET
• Integrate variables and constants into calculations applying VB.NET
• Determine logical alternatives with VB.NET decision structures
• Implement lists and loops with VB.NET controls and iteration
• Separate operations into appropriate VB.NET procedures and functions
• Assemble multiple forms, modules, and menus into working VB.NET solutions
• Create VB.NET programs using multiple array techniques
• Build integrated VB.NET solutions using files and structures with printing capabilities
• Translate general requirements into data-related solutions using database concepts

Required Textbook:

Starting Out with Visual Basic 2012, 6th Edition. Gaddis. Addison-Wesley. ISBN: 978-0133128086. 

Welcome to ITSE 1331

Please note that learning to program is challenging. Furthermore, this course utilizes Microsoft Visual Studio,
a sophisticated program development environment which introduces additional complexity. 
The course employs an excellent text (see above) which facilitates learning.

Each semester at ACC many students successfully complete this course.
However, a considerable amount of time and effort are required for success.
Therefore, it is essential that students understand the scope of the challenges and plan accordingly.

For grade and skill aquisition success, it is imperative that students understand and follow the course requirements in this section.  If items are unclear, be sure to eliminate the ambiguity.

Program Assignments:

1. Submit Assignment #1 (not a program) in .doc, .docx, or .txt format. Use PowerPoint, drawing in Word, or some other drawing tool for Step 2 in the assignment.
2. All Programs must be constructed using Visual Studio 2013/2015. Can use Express, Community, Professional, Ultimate, or Team Foundation versions.
3. Must be complete working Solutions (except Assignment #1 - see above).
4. Compress the Solutions directory into a .ZIP file.  AGAIN, compress the Solutions directory which contains all files required by the solution. See the 'Solutions Directory' link below for instructions.
5. TEST the program before submitting.  TEST. If it does not operate properly for you, it will not pass verification testing for credit.
6. Submit the .ZIP file to Blackboard under Assignments.  Only use the .ZIP compression format.  NOT .tar, .mar., .car, or .zar. Only use .ZIP.
7. Must be submitted in Blackboard by 11:59pm of the due date indicated.
8. Note: Assignment links are automatically/programmatically removed from Blackboard at 11:59pm of the due date. Therefore,  assignments cannot be submitted after the due dates. 
9. Again, assignments cannot be submitted after the due dates since the submission links are automatically/programmatically removed from Blackboard. 
10. To receive credit, assignments must completely meet requirements exactly as specified.
11. Partial credit is not awarded for assignments that do not meet requirements.
12. The EC (Extra Credit) Program may be submitted to replace a Program 1-9 submission. It is due at 11:59pm of the last day of the course.

Exams:

1. All exams are administered in an ACC Academic Testing Center.
2. Exams are electronically administered via Blackboard. Paper versions are not supplied.
3. Exams appear in the "Assignments & Exams" section in Blackboard.  Exam 1 is available on the first day of the course.
4. Exams 2 & 3 become available after the preceeding exam has been taken.
5. Exam Procedures at the link below must be followed step-by-step to successfully access the exams.
6. Print a copy of the Exam Procedures and take it with you to the Testing Center when taking an exam.
7. Some outlying centers may not support "Blackboard with Respondus" exams. Check with your center of choice.

Grade Policy: 

Final grade is earned based both on demonstrated conceptual understanding and practical application.  An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

Note: The course syllabus/schedule may be changed.  Changes will be reflected on the schedule and/or other portions of the syllabus.

General Course Policies

Welcome Letter

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Programming and Visual Basic

Chapter 2 - Creating Applications with Visual Basic

Chapter 3 - Variables and Calculations

Chapter 4 - Making Decisions

Chapter 5 - Lists and Loops

Chapter 6 - Procedures and Functions

Chapter 7 - Multiple Forms, Modules, and Menus

Chapter 8 - Arrays and More

Chapter 9 - Files, Printing, and Structures

Chapter 10 - Working with Databases